Allen Bailey, DE/OLB, Miami

Overview:

Allen Bailey is perhaps the most physically imposing player in the entire 2011 draft. At 285 pounds, Bailey ran a 4.77 40-yard dash. Not bad for a defensive end, huh? It is Bailey’s blend of size and speed that will make him an asset for any NFL team.

Before images of Vernon Gholston at Ohio State creep into your mind, Bailey is far more polished than Gholston — then and even now. Gholston’s biggest attribute was his pass-rushing ability, and while Bailey can put pressure on the quarterback, he is also stout in the running game.

Bailey’s biggest strength is his motor: quite simply Bailey never stops. Although Bailey lacks sound technique, he makes up for it with his athleticism. However, just that won’t cut in the NFL. Ultimately, Bailey will be as good as he wants to be. So often we see players like Bailey, i.e. Gholston, who don’t pan out despite their freakish athletic ability. Part of the reason why this is the case is because of their mentality. They think they can get to the quarterback by just running past the tackle, when that’s not the case.

Every year we see an Allen Bailey:

2006: Manny Lawson

2007: Amobi Okoye

2008: Vernon Gholston

2009: Brian Orakpo

2010: Tyson Alualu

What separates each player is their self-determination to get better and turn into a fundamentally sound NFL defender. Now, I can’t say where Bailey falls, but he is a guy that has the potential to excel in the league.

Patriots Outlook:

The Patriots have already held a private workout with Bailey, so it looks like Bill Belichick and staff are interested. The defensive end problems have been well documented and we talked more at length about the inconsistency at this position in our J.J. Watt profile.

Of Bailey’s many attributes his versatility seems most appealing to the Patriots, who could use Bailey as a 3-4 defensive end or even an outside linebacker. It is well known that Belichick loves to use his players in many different roles and that he keeps these players at a high regard.

With proper coaching and a “do anything for the team” attitude Bailey would be a big-time playmaker on the defensive side of the ball in New England. In terms of the draft, Bailey should be definitely be available at No. 17, and could even be there for the taking at 28.

Matthew Marcantonio is the Patriots and college football editor at Sports of Boston. Marcantonio has contributed for two newspapers; the Sentinel & Enterprise (Leominster, Mass) and The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La) and held internships with The Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated.